On September 21, 2024, the Care for Kids Coat Drive Kickoff Event brought the Toledo community together in an inspiring show of support for local children in need. Held at the Holy Toledo! Room overlooking Fifth Third Field, the evening was filled with purpose, connection, and excitement as we launched this year’s coat drive, benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo and Susie’s Coats for Kids.

Event Highlights: Bringing People Together for a Cause

The event not only focused on collecting hundreds of coats, but was packed with activities, including a discussion on creating a culture of philanthropy in your organization, networking with over 20 local nonprofits, and a Mud Hens game that brought everyone together. Guests enjoyed food, drinks, and a chance to meet with others passionate about giving back.

Keynote speakers like Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Dr. Clinton Longenecker inspired the crowd, while Aly Sterling led a lively panel of local leaders, including Sydney Williams, Allison Hammons, Billy Mann, Elizabeth Hupp, Rodney Eason, Sylvia van Meerten, and Wendi Huntley. They shared personal insights into how giving back not only transforms lives within the community but also builds stronger, more connected workplaces.

Reflecting on the event, Sydney Williams, co-founder of Care for Kids, shared, “It’s a sense of relief as it’s always scary starting something new and hoping people will be interested and find value. But I hope, as the event grows and evolves, the community can look back and point to connections, organizational improvements, and other successes that came out of a discussion or an interaction at this event.”

Key Takeaways: The Benefits of Giving Back

One of the main messages of the evening encompassed how creating a culture of giving in the workplace is a win-win. Not only does it benefit the community, but it also creates a positive impact within your own organization.

Sydney emphasized the importance of events like this for Toledo: “We need to keep the conversation going about how we can be more impactful—this comes from sharing both successes and failures. Collaboration extends resources and focuses on realizing lasting change. I’m always energized and excited about philanthropy in our organization and the amazing nonprofits that need our support.”

The event highlighted several key benefits of philanthropy:

• Improved Employee Engagement: When employees feel like they’re part of something bigger, their engagement and job satisfaction soar.
• Stronger Community Relationships: Giving back helps build a stronger connection between businesses and the local community, fostering goodwill and trust.
• Positive Brand Image: Companies known for their philanthropic efforts tend to have a more favorable public perception, which can attract both customers and talent.
• Personal Growth for Employees: Encouraging volunteer work and charitable efforts helps employees grow personally and professionally by developing new skills and fostering empathy.

Connecting with Local Nonprofits

The event was an incredible opportunity to meet local nonprofits, from Adopt America Network to YMCA. These organizations shared their mission and ways the community can get involved, whether through volunteering or donating. Attendees were encouraged to keep the conversation going, with Sydney noting, “Our community thrives on connections that spark real change, and events like this make it easy for everyone to jump in and get involved!”

How to Keep the Conversation Going

The event wasn’t just about one night—it was about sparking a lasting conversation about how we can all give back. Here are some action items to keep that momentum going:

1. Start the Conversation: Talk with your colleagues about ways your workplace can support local causes. Whether it’s organizing a volunteer day or running a donation drive, small steps make a big difference.
2. Reach Out to Nonprofits: If you connected with any nonprofits at the event, don’t let those relationships stop there. Consider partnering with them on future initiatives or volunteering your time.
3. Incorporate Philanthropy into Your Business Culture: Encourage leadership to integrate philanthropy into your company’s mission. It enhances team morale and strengthens your company’s connection to the community.

Sydney expressed her gratitude for everyone who supported this first year: “Thank you for believing in year one and participating! Continue to provide feedback and help us grow the event and make it more successful in the years to come.”

How You Can Help

Couldn’t make it to the event? No problem! The coat drive is still going strong, and there are plenty of drop-off locations around Toledo where you can donate a new or gently used coat. Every donation helps ensure that a child in our community stays warm this winter.

The evening underscored the power of community support. Sydney shared her excitement about the coat drive’s progress: “The knowledge sharing at our kick-off event was inspiring. We have 23 nonprofits, and 38 companies involved in the kick-off and coat collection—seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when they pick a new coat in their favorite color is the best part.”

As we continue the coat drive, Sydney remains hopeful for the future: “We have some great ideas and goals, so stay tuned! Each year, we aim to grow and provide more benefit to our community.”

This event was a powerful reminder of what can happen when we come together. If you were inspired by the event, now’s the time to take that next step—whether it’s starting a conversation at work about giving back or reaching out to one of the nonprofits you met. Let’s keep the spirit of giving going strong!

For more details on coat drop-off locations or how to get involved, click here.